Glycine max

Why are the seeds of this species difficult? The seeds may have physical dormancy, which can be overcome by scarifying the seed coat to allow water uptake. The seeds are relatively short-lived, so may not remain viable for a long time in storage.

Glycine max (Image: S. Wood, RBG Kew)

Seed Storage

This species has Orthodox seeds - dry to 15-20% eRH and store at -20ºC, or as cool as possible.

The seeds are relatively Short-lived. Monitor viability at least every five years, and more frequently once viability begins to decline. When viability falls close to the regeneration standard, the collection will need to be re-generated or re-collected.

Germination Requirements

Germinate on agar, germination paper or sand, at a constant temperature of 25ºC, or under an alternating temperature regime of 30/20ºC.

The seeds of this species may have Physical Dormancy. If germination is low, try removing the seed covering structures and chip the seed coat with a scalpel.

Seed Morphology

Glycine max section
(Image: S. Wood, RBG Kew)

The pods become less green and the seeds begin to shrink as they mature.

See more images of this species at the Digital Seed Atlas of the Netherlands.

Taxonomy

Family: LEGUMINOSAE-PAPILIONOIDEAE

Accepted name: Glycine max (L.) Merr.

Synonyms: Phaseolus max L.

Common name: soya bean

References and Links

Baskin, C.C. and Baskin J.M. (1998). Seeds: ecology, biogeography, and evolution of dormancy and germination. Academic Press, USA.
Crookston, R.K. and Hill, D.S. (1978). A visual indicator of the physiological maturity of soybean seed. Crop Science, Vol 18: pp867-870.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (1994). Genebank Standards. FAO/IPGRI, Rome, Italy.
International Seed Testing Association (2010). International Rules for Seed Testing: edition 2010. ISTA, Bassersdorf, Switzerland.
Rao, N.K., Hanson, J., Dulloo, M.E., Ghosh, K., Nowell, D. and Larinde, M. (2006). Manual of seed handling in genebanks. Handbooks for Genebanks No. 8. Bioversity International, Rome, Italy.
Walters, C., Wheeler, L.M., Grotenhuis, J.M. (2005). Longevity of seeds stored in a genebank: species characteristics. Seed Science Research, Vol 15 (1): pp1-20.

AFPD (African Flowering Plants Database) - Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques de la Ville de Genève, Switzerland, and South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, RSA: Glycine max.
AVRDC - The World Vegetable Centre, Taiwan: fact sheet on Glycine max.
PROTAbase (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa) - Wageningen, Netherlands: Glycine max.
SID (Seed Information Database) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK: Glycine max.
Tropicos - Missouri Botanical Garden, USA: Glycine max.